12 Jyotirlingas in India – Temples of Lord Shiva

India is a land full of spiritual energy and age-old traditions. Among its many holy places, the Jyotirlingas are some of the most special. These are twelve famous temples of Lord Shiva, found in different parts of the country. Each one is deeply connected to stories from ancient times and holds great religious importance. These holy temples host millions of visitors each year who come to pray, find peace and feel spiritually connected.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a simple and meaningful journey through the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, sharing the stories behind them and what makes each one unique.

What is Jyotirlinga?

The word “Jyotirlinga” comes from the Sanskrit language—”Jyoti” means light, and “Linga” is a symbol of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu stories, especially from the Shiva Purana, there was once a disagreement between Lord Vishnu (the protector) and Lord Brahma (the creator) about who was more powerful.

To resolve the matter, Lord Shiva formed a giant pillar of light that had no beginning or end. He asked both of them to find either end of the light. Vishnu honestly said he couldn’t find it, but Brahma lied and said he found the top. Lord Shiva was pleased with Vishnu’s truthfulness and declared him greater. He also cursed Brahma that he would not be worshipped widely.

The places where this divine light is believed to have touched the earth became the 12 Jyotirlingas—holy temples where Lord Shiva is worshipped in his glowing, powerful form.

The 12 Jyotirlingas in India

Let’s take a spiritual journey to discover the meaning behind each of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India –

1.  Somnath Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Somnath Jyotirlinga is situated at Prabhas Patan, close to the Arabian Sea. It is believed to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The Moon God (Soma) built this temple to get Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Over the years, the temple has been collapsed and rebuilt numerous times to show the deep faith of its followers. With its coastline location and beautiful sunset aarti, Somnath offers both a spiritual and serene experience to all who visit.

Category	Details
Location	Somnath Jyotirlinga is located at Prabhas Patan, near the Arabian Sea in the Gir Somnath district of Gujarat, India.
Significance	It is believed to be the first of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Built by the Moon God (Soma) to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Aarti timings are: – Morning: 7:00 AM – Noon: 12:00 PM – Evening: 7:00 PM (Sunset Aarti)
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Diu Airport (approx. 85 km) – By Train: Nearest railway station is Veraval (7 km) – By Road: Well-connected by buses and taxis from major Gujarat cities like Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

2. Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga – Andhra Pradesh

Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located close to the shores of the Krishna River in the beautiful Nallamala Hills. It is unique because it is both a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth, as it also holds the shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba. As per legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati chose to stay here after their son Kartikeya went to live in the mountains. The temple is surrounded by forests and ancient carvings, offering a beautiful and calm spiritual experience. 

Category	Details
Location	Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga is located in Srisailam, near the Krishna River, nestled in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Significance	It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas, housing the shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba alongside Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna).
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The Aarti and Darshan timings are: – Suprabhatha Seva: 5:00 AM – Maha Aarti: 6:30 AM – Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 220 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Markapur Road (87 km) – By Road: Buses available from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Kurnool.

3. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga– Madhya Pradesh

Among the oldest cities in India is Ujjain which is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The linga here is swayambhu (self-created) and faces south, which is rare. This direction symbolizes Lord Shiva as Mahakal – the Lord of Time and Death. The temple is famous for the early morning Bhasma Aarti, where the deity is covered in sacred ash. It is situated next to Rudra Sagar Lake and considered as a popular tourist and spiritual spot.

Category	Details
Location	Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, one of the oldest cities in India, near the Rudra Sagar Lake.
Significance	The linga is swayambhu (self-manifested) and uniquely faces south, symbolizing Lord Shiva as Mahakal, the Lord of Time and Death.
Opening Time	The temple is open from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Key ritual: – Bhasma Aarti: Performed daily at 4:00 AM, where the deity is adorned with sacred ash.
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (approx. 55 km) – By Train: Ujjain Junction is well connected – By Road: Accessible from major cities in MP.

4. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga – Madhya Pradesh

The Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is situated in the Narmada River on Mandhata Island. The island’s shape naturally resembles the holy Hindu sign “Om.” The temple is surrounded by peaceful river views and offers a serene environment. It is one of the few places where two temples—Omkareshwar and Amareshwar—are worshipped together. Both its natural beauty as well as its religious importance draw pilgrims to this location.

Category	Details
Location	Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga is located on Mandhata Island in the Narmada River, in Madhya Pradesh, India. The island naturally forms the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol “ॐ (Om)”.
Significance	It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Unique for having two temples—Omkareshwar and Amareshwar—that are worshipped together, symbolizing dual spiritual significance.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Key rituals include: – Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM – Evening Aarti: 8:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Indore Airport (approx. 77 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Omkareshwar Road (12 km) – By Road: Buses/taxis available from Indore and Khandwa.

5. Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located high in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, making it one of the most challenging temples to reach. Due to heavy snowfall, the temple is only accessible to visitors for a maximum of six months per year. As per legend, Lord Shiva appeared here after the Mahabharata war, when the Pandavas came to seek his blessings and forgiveness. The journey to Kedarnath, surrounded by snowy peaks and natural beauty is deeply spiritual and unforgettable.

Category	Details
Location	Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is located in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India, at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 ft).
Significance	It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and among the most sacred and remote shrines. As per legend, Lord Shiva appeared here after the Mahabharata war to bless the Pandavas.
Opening Time	The temple is open seasonally, from May to October (exact dates vary by year). Daily timings: – Morning: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM – Evening: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Rishikesh (approx. 216 km) – By Road + Trek: Reach Gaurikund by road, then trek 16 km to the temple.

6. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Western Ghats, surrounded by forests and rich wildlife. It is considered to be the origin of the Bhima River. As per the history, this is where Lord Shiva killed the monster Tripurasura. The temple is built in the traditional Nagara style and the nearby Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary adds to the peaceful environment. This sacred site offers a beautiful blend of spirituality and nature.

Category	Details
Location	Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is located in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, near Pune, surrounded by dense forests and hills.
Significance	It is believed to be the origin of the Bhima River. As per legend, Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura here. The temple is constructed in Nagara architectural style.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Aarti timings include: – Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM – Noon Pooja: 12:00 PM – Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Pune International Airport (approx. 110 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Pune Junction – By Road: Well connected by road from Pune and Mumbai.

7. Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga – Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is in Varanasi, one of the sacred cities in India. It is believed that worshipping at this sacred site may lead to moksha. Because of its gold-covered dome, the temple is often referred to as the Golden Temple. The spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi combined with the holy atmosphere of Varanasi, makes it a deeply meaningful destination for Lord Shiva’s devotees.

Category	Details
Location	Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, one of the holiest and oldest cities in India, situated on the banks of the River Ganga.
Significance	Worshipping here is believed to grant moksha (liberation). The temple is famous for its gold-covered dome, earning it the nickname “Golden Temple” of Varanasi.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Key aarti timings: – Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – Bhog Aarti: 11:15 AM – Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 PM – Shayan Aarti: 10:30 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (approx. 25 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Varanasi Junction – By Road: Well connected to major cities.

8. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga – Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is situated near the Brahmagiri Hills in Nashik, Maharashtra, and is known as the source of the holy Godavari River. The linga here has three faces that symbolize the Hindu Trinity—Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. It is a serene environment where people come to perform important rituals for their ancestors. The temple’s beautiful stone carvings and peaceful surroundings offer spiritual comfort to all devotees.

Category	Details
Location	Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the Brahmagiri Hills in Nashik, Maharashtra, and is regarded as the origin of the sacred Godavari River.
Significance	The linga here is unique with three faces, representing the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also a key site for performing ancestral rituals like Narayan Nagbali and Pind Daan.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Key rituals and aarti times include: – Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM – Afternoon Pooja: 1:00 PM – Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Ozar Airport, Nashik (approx. 30 km) or Mumbai Airport (approx. 200 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Nashik Road (approx. 28 km) – By Road: Well-connected to Nashik and Mumbai.

9. Baidyanath Jyotirlinga – Jharkhand

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Baba Dham is situated in Deoghar, Jharkhand. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a healer (Vaidya) to cure the demon king Ravana. This temple is especially famous during the holy month of Shravan, when thousands of devotees make pilgrimages to offer sacred water attracted from the Ganges. Known for its healing energy, this temple is a major center of devotion and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.

Category	Details
Location	Baidyanath Jyotirlinga, also known as Baba Dham, is located in Deoghar, Jharkhand.
Significance	As per legend, Lord Shiva appeared as a healer (Vaidya) to cure Ravana, the demon king. The temple is believed to have healing powers and holds immense religious importance.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Special rituals during Shravan month attract large numbers of devotees. – Morning Darshan: 4:30 AM – Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Deoghar Airport (approx. 7 km) – By Train: Deoghar Railway Station is the nearest – By Road: Well connected by buses and taxis from major towns in Jharkhand and Bihar.

10. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – Gujarat

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the coastal city of Dwarka in Gujarat and is revered as a powerful protector against fear and negative energy. It is believed that Lord Shiva killed the demon Daruka here. A tall statue of Lord Shiva stands near the temple, making it visible from far away. The temple’s peaceful environment and cool sea breeze creates a calm and uplifting spiritual atmosphere for all who visit.

Category	Details
Location	Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the coastal city of Dwarka in Gujarat, between Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka, close to the Arabian Sea.
Significance	It is believed that Lord Shiva killed the demon Daruka here. The Jyotirlinga is considered a protector from fear and negative energy. A towering statue of Lord Shiva stands beside the temple.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Key timings include: – Morning Aarti: 7:00 AM – Maha Aarti: 12:00 PM – Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (approx. 137 km) – By Train: Nearest station is Dwarka Railway Station (17 km) – By Road: Connected by road from Dwarka and Jamnagar.

11. Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga – Tamil Nadu

Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is located on the sacred island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and forms an important part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Lord Rama is said to have appealed to Shiva here to forgive after his battle with Ravana. The temple has the longest hallway across all Hindu temples and is widely admired for its architecture. Its strong connection to the Ramayana makes it an important religious and cultural site. 

Category	Details
Location	Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga is located on the island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge.
Significance	It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to seek forgiveness after defeating Ravana. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and also part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Major rituals: – Spadiga Linga Darshan: 5:10 AM – Evening Pooja: 6:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Madurai Airport (approx. 170 km) – By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station is well connected – By Road: Connected by road and bridge from Madurai and other Tamil Nadu cities.

12. Grishneshwar – Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is the last of the twelve and is located near the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The temple was built by a devoted woman named Kusuma and Lord Shiva is believed to have blessed her with this divine presence here. The temple is built from red stone and features finely detailed carvings that are simple yet beautiful. It remains a quiet and powerful place for prayer, devotion and spiritual reflection.

Category	Details
Location	Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga is located near the Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, around 30 km from the city.
Significance	This temple is the twelfth Jyotirlinga. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared to bless Kusuma, a devoted woman who worshipped a Shiva Linga here.
Opening Time	The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Key rituals include: – Morning Pooja: 6:00 AM – Midday Aarti: 12:00 PM – Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM
How to Reach	– By Air: Nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport (approx. 30 km) – By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station is well connected – By Road: Easily accessible from Aurangabad by taxi or bus.

Conclusion

The pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas in India is not merely a tour of ancient temples; it is a profound spiritual belief and a way to feel closer to Lord Shiva. Many devotees believe that going to these holy places can help remove past sins, bring peace, good health and ultimately lead to spiritual liberation (moksha). Each Jyotirlinga shows a different form of Lord Shiva’s power and blessings.

Apart from the spiritual side, this journey also lets you explore the beauty of India’s culture, history, and amazing temple architecture. If you ever get a chance, do visit these sacred places—and don’t forget to chant “Har Har Mahadev!”

Also Read – Amarnath Yatra 2025: Complete Guide for First-Time Pilgrims